Composite photo by Dennis Marsico T H E B U T L E R I N S T I T U T E O F A M E R I C A N A R T • S U M M E R / FA L L • 2 0 1 5 ���������������������������������� EARLY LANDSCAPE PREDICTS ARTIST’S LATER WORK Through 2015, the Butler Institute in Youngstown is exhibiting a painting by Post Impressionist master Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890). The artwork, on loan to the Butler from a private Ohio collection, is titled In the Dunes (left), and is an oil on board landscape painted by van Gogh in 1883 in the Hague. This early work by the internationally revered painter predicts the artistʼs later recognizable style of paint application, composition and emotion. Unsuccessful in gaining recognition in his lifetime, Vincent van Gogh has become one of the most well-known artists in the world, and his paintings have become prized by museums and galleries around the globe. According to Butler Director Dr. Louis Zona, “Although Vincent van Gogh lived more than a century ago, his work continues to influence the art worldʼs views of beauty, as well as their style of painting. This is also true of the artists of this nation who, in the 20th Century, became enamored of van Goghʼs paintings. It is wonderful to display this landscape here where van Goghʼs influence can clearly be seen within the Butlerʼs collection of American masterpieces.” In 1880, at age 27, van Gogh entered the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, Belgium. The following winter, living in Amsterdam, he began painting. He lived frugally, explored color theory, and studied the works of the great artists. Van Gogh was painting peasants and rural landscapes using dark earth tones, and In the Dunes (In de Duinen) is an example of these early works. Van Gogh moved to Paris where his art began to take on the style that would make him famous. There, he discussed art with some of the most avant-garde and influential artists of his time – including Gauguin, Bernard, and Toulouse-Lautrec. Van Gogh then moved to rural France, where he was joined by Gauguin. While there, van Gogh entered the most productive and creative period of his life painting his famous Sunflowers. It was also was a time of great turmoil for the artist who began a period of hospital stays for mental illness and physical decline. After just ten years of painting and producing some 900 paintings, Vincent van Gogh took his own life in 1890. Never fully appreciated in his own time, it took only twenty years after van Goghʼs death for the art world to recognize the genius they had lost. PEOPLE & EVENTS Summer/Fall 2015 In April, the Butler honored its Volunteers (pictured above) at an evening event, held in the museumʼs Beecher Court in Youngstown. Butler volunteers offer a wide-range of services to the museum, assisting as Museum Shop and Fine Art Sales Gallery staff, conducting public tours for people of all ages, staffing the Butlerʼs information desk, and serving on the museumʼs Board of Trustees. For more information about becoming a Butler volunteer, contact René Sheakoski reneeohio@gmail.com, or call 330.743.1107, ext. 127. _____________________________________________ To celebrate Black History Month, the museum hosted a community event (left) in Youngstown to highlight Butler collection works by African Americans . Special thanks to Madonna Chism Pinkard and Reverend William King for their efforts to promote this very special program. _____________________________________________ California painter Warren Chang (right) visited the Butler for the opening of his solo show, “Monterey Now.” This exhibition continues through June 14 at the Butler in Youngstown. ___________________________________________ Artist Sherrie McGraw (left) receives the Butler Medal for Life Achievement in Art from Board President Nicholas Zennario at the annual May Trustees Circle members dinner (right). The award has been given to notable art world personalities for over three decades.A painting retrospective of McGrawʼs work was seen at the Butler in Youngstown in 2014. Photos top, lower left and right by Will Drescher. Center photos left and right by Joe Fragle. THE BUTLER INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN ART • SUMMER/FALL NEWSLETTER • 2015 2 PEOPLE & EVENTS Summer/Fall 2015 Seniors from Canfield High School (right) were among the many area school groups that gathered at the Butler in Youngstown to film a segment for the annual WFMJ/Ohio Lottery TV spot “Best of the Class.” The groups include both 2015 valedictorians and salutatorians. Artist Pete Ballard recently attended the museumʼs exhibition opening for his solo show titled “A Century of Fashion,” now on view in the Butler North Americana Galleries.Ballard is seen (above) with some of the fashion dolls that he created. The artist donated fourteen historically clothed dolls to the Butler Institute. The exhibition will remain on view through 2015. ____________________________________________ Clevelandʼs Acuity-VCT team members Steve Cicci (left) and Mike Elliot (below left) are seen installing wiring for the Butlerʼs new state of the art security monitoring system. Acuity has installed security systems at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. Acuity photos by Ken Platt __________________________________________________ Linda and Bill Roemer of Pittsburgh are seen (above) with a painting by Arshile Gorky—a gift to the Butler from their personal collection. The work is on view in the Beeghly-Schaff Gallery on the main floor of the Butler in Youngstown. ____________________________________________________ Trumbull County High School art students recently displayed works in all media at the Butlerʼs Trumbull branch in Howland. Seen (left) are Trumbull County art students students who received awards at the show. The exhibition and awards were sponsored by the Trumbull County Education Service Center. THE BUTLER INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN ART • SUMMER/FALL NEWSLETTER • 2015 3 EXHIBITIONS Summer/Fall 2015 August 9 through September 27, 2015 Frederick Nichols: Landscapes (Trumbull branch, Howland) Meet the Artist Sunday, August 9 • 1-3 pm Virginiaʼs Blue Ridge Mountains are the subject of this exquisite landscape exhibition. Nicholsʼ paintings portray the wilderness through the various seasons, and explore the movement of time and space. The Butlerʼs Trumbull branch is funded in part by Foundation Medici. June 21 through September 6, 2015 Evelyn Killian: Paintings (Mesaros Gallery, Youngstown) This exhibition features work on paper in a variety of paint media by an American folk artist. The work features a primitive sincerity and vibrant look at the lives of everyday people. A Midyear work (left) by David Dorsey, Pittsford, NY. July 12 through August 30, 2015 The 79th National Midyear (Youngstown) Meet the Artists Sunday, July 19 • 1-3 pm (RESCHEDULED DUE TO YSU FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS) The Butlerʼs Midyear Show is open to artists age 18 or older who reside within the fifty United States or its territories. Works in all two dimensional media are eligible including oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, drawings, prints, photographs and digital works. This year the show was judged by New York artist Bob Godfrey. The meet the artist event is free, reservations are required. Call 330.743.1107, ext. 210 to reserve. September 13 though October 25, 2015 RESCHEDULED Rhoda Sherbell: Sculpture (Youngstown) Meet the Artist Sunday, September 13 • 1-3 pm (Davis Gallery) Sculptor Rhoda Sherbell is a renowned portrait artist in sculpture, with commissions from the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY as well as private commissions from Yogi Berra, Casey Stengel (above), Aaron Copland, among a host of other celebrities. She has exhibited widely both in solo and group exhibitions, and her work is found in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the National Museum of American Art, the National Portrait Gallery, The National Art Museum of Sport, and the Butler Institute. Call for Entries Artists are encouraged to enter the Butlerʼs juried shows. Three juried exhibitions are presented each year; the Area Artists Annual occurs in the winter months, while the Annual Midyear Show is seen each summer. In addition, the Butlerʼs American Holiday Show, which features works by artisans and crafts people, occurs the first weekend in December. For information on rules for entry and the dates of these shows, call Jean Shreffler 330.743.1107, ext. 210. THE BUTLER INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN ART • SUMMER/FALL NEWSLETTER • 2015 4 EXHIBITIONS Summer/Fall 2015 September 13 through December 31, 2015 Gisela Colón: Glo-Pods (Flad B Gallery, Youngstown) Meet the Artist Sunday, September 13 • 1-3 pm Gisela Colon has fused Op Art, Pop Art, and global art world trends in a dazzling synthesis of elegant, contemporary beauty. Influenced by the Light & Space art of the Minimalists of the 1960s and 1970s, Colónʼs Glo-Pods are meticulously created through a fabrication process of molding and layering acrylic materials. This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Katherine Carter Associates. This work by Jack Tworkov was a recent gift to the Butler from Dr. Jonathan and Mrs. Alexandra Zimov, Riverdale, New York. October 11 though December 20, 2015 Jack Tworkov: The Geometric Works (Trumbull branch, Howland) Jack Tworkov (1900-1982) was a founding member of the New York School and is regarded as one of the prominent figures who, along with Pollock and Kline, created paintings that formed the basis for the Abstract Expressionist movement in America. This exhibition calls to the forefront Tworkov's historic presence and contribution to American Art. This exhibition is funded in part by the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation. A work (left) by Joseph Kleitsch (1882-1931) is included in the California Impressionism exhibition. A Mark Giangaspero Self Portrait from 2012 October 4 though November 29, 2015 California Impressionism (Youngstown) Preview Event Saturday, October 3 (by invitation) In the early years of the twentieth century, California produced a unique artistic style which combined aspects of American and European art. This style, often called California Impressionism or California Plein Air painting, concerned itself with light and color. As a variant of the American Impressionist style, it focused directly on the abundant California light. This exhibition is from the collection of the Irvine Museum. August 2 through October 11, 2015 Mark Giangaspero: Pastels (Giffuni Gallery, Youngstown) Meet the Artist Sunday, August 2, 2015 • 1-3 pm Ohio painter Mark Giangaspero has become well known for his large-scale portraits. His work has been widely shown regionally, and is included in the Butlerʼs permanent collection. This exhibition will focus upon the artistʼs work in the pastel medium. THE BUTLER INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN ART • SUMMER/FALL NEWSLETTER • 2015 5 NEWS & EDUCATION Summer/Fall 2015 The preservation and maintenance of Butler buildings is an ongoing concern for museum officials. Recently, professional marble installers (left) repaired and replaced weather damaged sections of the facade of the Butler’s Beecher Center South Wing. Photo by Susan Carfano. A Butler docent (above) is seen implementing the Good Neighbors Program for fourth grade students at the Butler in Youngstown. COLLECTION RESTORATION NEWS GOOD NEIGHBORS PROGRAM CONTINUES Thanks to an Arts Engagement in American Communities grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and a contribution from the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, the Butlerʼs highly praised Good Neighbors Program has grown to include several more schools in our region. This year, the program has expand to include school districts in Trumbull and Columbiana counties. Thanks to a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Intermuseum Conservation Association (ICA), the Butler has begun a program to restore pieces from museumʼs prestigious collection of works on paper. Following an assessment from professional paper conservators, works by photographic pioneer Eadweard Muybridge (1830-1904) are being cleaned and reframed. These works will be on view at the Butler in September in the museumʼs Beecher Center Novak Gallery. The Good Neighbors program is designed for fourth graders, and serves as a partnership between the schools and The Butler Institute of American Art. Inspired by the museumʼs collection, students learn the visual arts. By studying art and art vocabulary, the youngsters are engaged in American history and culture, and are presented with concepts that span several learning disciplines. The program encourages student inquiry and imagination as students engage in the creative process. In conjunction with the Muybridge exhibition, the Butler will screen an award-winning documentary on the life and work of this ingenious artist. The film was first seen at the Cleveland (Ohio) film festival. Screenings are set for Tuesday, September 15 at noon and Sunday 20 at 2 pm in the Butlerʼs Beecher Center Auditorium in Youngstown. This film is not rated; parental guidance is suggested. The Good Neighbors Program is designed to improve reading, writing, communication, studying and critical thinking skills, and compliments curriculum standards in technology, fine arts and language arts designed by the Ohio State Board of Education. For information on this program call 330.743.1107, ext. 114. This program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, and is offered on a first come, first served basis. Call 330.743.1107, ext. 123 for more information. BALCONY GALLERY NEARING COMPLETION Seen (left) is a work by Muybridge from the Butler’s collection. Soon the Butler North Americana galleries will expand to include a fifth display space. The former choir loft of the former First Christian Church building has been converted into a beautiful gallery that features second level viewing of the exquisite cobalt blue window in the former churchʼs Great Hall. The gallery was designed by architect Bob Buchanan. Special thanks to Butler Trustee Doug Lumsden for overseeing this project. A July dedication is being planned. THE BUTLER INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN ART • SUMMER/FALL NEWSLETTER • 2015 6 NEWS & EDUCATION Summer/Fall 2015 BUTLER SUMMER ARTS DAY CAMP CREATE A BUTLER LEGACY There are still openings for youngster ages 8-12 to attend the Butlerʼs annual Summer Camp in July, held at the museumʼs Trumbull facility in Howland. This year, the camp will focus solely upon the visual arts. Camp director for 2015 is Ryan Mistovich. For information and registration forms, call 330.743.1107, ext 114. A local businessman once referred to the Butler as a “. . .poor man’s university”—his reason for being so generous to the museum. The Butler provides a high level of instruction and cultural enrichment for everyone, no matter their level of education or status in the community. This is what our founder, Joseph G. Butler, Jr., envisioned when he gave this remarkable institution to the people of our country, emblazoning above the its front doors, Pro Bono Publico—for the public good. Contact the Butler, 330.743.1107, ext.116 to learn more about establishing your Butler legacy. CHILDREN'S CLASSES-YOUNGSTOWN-BUTLER STAMP PRINTING Students will make their own printing stamp using modeling clay and clay tools. Designs will then be printed on a variety of papers. Mary Pat George, art instructor Wednesday-June 24 Room A Fee: $15 #015-Grades 1-2 10:00-11:30 a.m. #016-Grades 3-4 1:30-3:00 p.m. GIFT SHOP FUNDS PROGRAMS Visit the Butlerʼs Museum Gift Shop soon and help to support the museumʼs educational programs. From Art T-Shirts to totes, mugs, toys, books, jewelry and more —the Butler shop offers a great selection for birthday, wedding, and gifts for every occasion. Butler Members receive a discount on most purchases, and all revenues directly fund the museumʼs free family activities. Call Renée Sheakoski at 330.743.1107, ext. 127 or email renee@gmail.com for more shop information or to become a Butler Museum Gift Shop volunteer. ANIMAL ANIMATION Using an iPad and an iPad app, design an animal or imaginary creature and “bring it to life” as it walks from left to right across your screen. (Class size is limited-please register early.) Mary Pat George, art instructor Wednesday-July 15 Room A Fee: $15 #017-Grades 3-5 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. LI’L PRINTERS Come and explore the world of printmaking with your little one. We will learn several printing techniques while learning new words like mono-print, repetition, and texture. Make a print for yourself and one to share! Lisa Zitello, art instructor Saturday-July 18 Room B Fee: $10 #018-Preschool/K (ages 3-6) w/adult partner 10:00-10:45 a.m. BUTLER ART CLASSES OFFERED Visit butlerart.com for a complete listing of art classes that are being offered this summer! (A small sample is seen, right). The Butler has a program of instruction for all ages at both the Youngstown and Howland locations. Other special classes for home schoolers, scout troops, birthday parties and more are available at the Butler. Call Mary Pat George 330.743.1107, ext 221 to register or for information. THE BUTLER INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN ART • SUMMER/FALL NEWSLETTER • 2015 7 Youngstown Area Jewish Federation Collections Café at the Butler is open weekdays and on weekends for Butler events. Call 330.743.9779 for café information. Receipt of this publication by mail is a benefit of Butler membership. HOURS: The Butler Institute/Beecher Center/Butler North Open 11 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday; Sunday noon to 4 pm. Closed Monday and major holidays. The Butler Trumbull Branch is located at 9350 East Market Street in Howland Township, Ohio. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm. TOURS, CLASSES & PROGRAMS: Tours may be arranged by calling the Butler’s Education Department, 330.743.1107, ext. 115. For program information, including museum outreach, call ext. 114. For art class information call 330.743.1107, ext. 221. PARKING: In Youngstown, limited free parking is available in the Butler’s private lot located on the museum’s north side. Additional parking is available at a nominal cost in Youngstown State University lots. In Howland, ample free parking is provided on the museum’s property. MEMBERSHIP: Butler membership offers a variety of benefits including discounts on art classes and museum shop purchases. (The Youngstown Foundation will add 5% to qualified contributions to the Butler if the check is made payable to the Youngstown Foundation and is for a minimum of $100.) For membership information call ext. 210. Butler Members receive this publication by US Mail as a benefit of membership. Help the Butler and the environment by becoming an email subscriber. You will receive all exhibition information and museum invitations on your computer at home or at work! To become an online member, email your request to info@butlerart. com. ANNUAL PROJECT FOR SPECIAL NEEDS The Butler’s Annual Giving campaign provides much needed funds for museum projects. The Butler is grateful for the past donations of many generous individuals. For information concerning this important fund raising effort, call ext. 210. RENTAL OF BUTLER FACILITIES: The Butler Institute of American Art’s exhibition sponsorship program includes the use of the museum for weddings, parties and other private events. Call ext. 122 for information and guidelines for use of the Butler’s facilities. UPCOMING EVENTS! To highlight itʼs fall exhibition of historic works by California Impressionists, the Butler will host a special Members Preview Party on Saturday, October 3rd at the museum in Youngstown. (Butler Members will be mailed an invitation to this event.) Inspired by the paintings in the exhibition, which were drawn from the collection of the Irvine Museum, this evening will include California wines, gourmet hors dʼoeuvres, music and more! Save the date and plan to attend this special fall evening event. Sunday, November 22nd, the Butler will host its second annual Holiday Open House in Youngstown. This free, family-friendly event will kick off the Butlerʼs holiday season. Special Americana exhibits, activities and entertainment are planned. Refreshments from Collections Café, as well as new merchandise in the Butlerʼs Museum Shops, will be featured. More information will be available soon for this event sponsored by Stifel Nicolaus. (Butler Members will receive an invitation to this event.) Mark your calendar for the 45th American Holiday at the Butler. The event begins with a Butler Members Preview Party December 4th. Public Sale Days follow on December 5th & 6th. One of the most anticipated events of the season, the annual Butler holiday show draws together some of the regionʼs finest artisans, who offer works for sale in a variety of media; ceramics, jewelry, art to wear, decorative items, food, paintings, prints and more! This event helps to fund Butler free programs. The Butler is currently accepting applications from crafters interested in participating in the show. Contact Wayne Gruver waynegruver@butlerart.com, 330.743.1107, ext. 402 for information and/or an application.
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